Kazuyuki Kouno, who recently led Immortal Brass Eternally to the World Music Contest Championship in Kerkrade, continues to be a central figure in the development of the brass band movement in Japan.

It recently saw him play a leading role in the Tokyo Brass Band Festival, which took place at Soka City Cultural Hall in Saitama, Japan.

Massed band

Organised by the Tokyo Brass Band Festival Organising Committee, it brought together players from 10 bands (including in the past those from outside Japan) to work and perform together as a massed band.

84 players enjoyed the event this year from across the country with Kazuyuki Kouno taking responsibility for providing both the coordinated organisation and direction of the ensemble.

Strengthen

He told 4BR: "The festival aims to bring together and strengthen the growing British-style brass band community in Japan, creating opportunities for players from different bands to meet and play together.

This has enjoyed another huge boost in the last few years and there remains huge talent to go with the enthusiasm and endeavour. Performing together adds to that and we all enjoyed the event and look forward to the next one."